FEATURED

We are delighted to welcome the Great Tapestry of Scotland to Stirling Castle as part of its national tour. It is officially the largest embroidered tapestry in the world and tells the story of Scotland’s history.

Survey Work and Consent

Non invasive survey of scheduled monuments is actively encouraged by Historic Scotland
as it can help to improve knowledge and understanding of the monument whilst causing no damage. There
are a number of techniques which require the prior written permission of Scottish Ministers, either
scheduled monument consent (SMC) or s42 consent for metal detecting. For these techniques, it
is an offence to carry out these works without first receiving consent. The table below outlines
what consent if any is required for the main types of survey works. For survey works not covered
below, please contact Historic Scotland for advice.

Survey method

SMC

S42

None

Topographic

x

Resistivity

x

Magnetometry/ Gradiometry

x

Magnetic Susceptibility (field coil)

x

Magnetic Susceptibility (sampling)

x

Metal Detecting

x

Ground Penetrating Radar

x

Seismic Survey

x

Lidar Survey

x

Field Walking (removal of artefacts)

x

Insertion of permanent survey markers

x

Insertion of survey markers or probes (temporary or permanent) below the depth of the current topsoil

x

Excavation on any scale

x

If you are planning to undertake any survey which does not require consent, it can
often be useful to let Historic Scotland know in advance (although there is no requirement to do so).
We would also be pleased to receive a copy of your results when they become available.

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